Devotional Portion: Psalm 13:2
How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me?
“There is in the original the idea of “laying up” counsels in his heart as if his devices had become innumerable but unavailing.” Charles Spurgeon. When we feel like God is far and He has hidden His face, we start to rely on our understanding. We consider things in our hearts day and night to figure out things and end up in more depression rather than finding true joy in the LORD. This adds bitterness on top of the pressure of the situation. Spurgeon proposed a sermon on the phrase, “How long should I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily?” He suggested that the sermon would have these points: “Self-torture, its cause, curse, crime, and cure.”
In the two verses, David mentions three dimensions of his depression.
- In relationship with God,
- Within himself,
- By his enemies.
And, David found the perfect partner in sharing the thoughts from their depressed heart to the LORD. Being heard by someone can bring a change in life.
Reflection: Find rest in Him, for He is our refuge.
